An annual survey of businesses in Manchester is being launched today by city council leader Sir Richard Leese.

The online scheme is being run by private sector lobby group and business networking organisation Downtown Manchester in Business.

It will seek the views of the city’s business community on a range of issues, including the performance of the government support agencies and the controversial proposal for an elected mayor for Manchester.

DMIB chairman Frank McKenna said:“In these times of economic turbulence, information, intelligence and data about the business environment is crucial.

“The Manchester Business Survey will investigate business confidence, people and training, funding and support, red tape and legislation and finally public and private sector relationships.

“The survey will help us to harvest business intelligence from a broad section of business sectors, focusing on the past, current and future economic drivers that encourage economic growth.”